Tortilla chips are a popular snack food made from corn tortillas that have been cut into wedges or triangles and then fried or baked. While the exact ingredients can vary between brands and recipes, the primary ingredient that gives tortilla chips their distinctive flavor, texture, and appearance is corn.
The Role of Corn
Corn, specifically corn masa flour, is the main ingredient used to make the tortillas that get turned into tortilla chips. Corn masa is a finely ground flour made from treated corn kernels that have been nixtamalized, meaning the corn has been soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution. This process of nixtamalization helps remove the hull and germ from the kernels while preserving the nutritious endosperm. It also gives the finished masa a distinctive sweet, nutty flavor.
Once the nixtamalized corn kernels are ground into a fine flour, the masa is combined with water and sometimes salt, baking powder, or other ingredients to form a pliable dough. This masa dough can then be pressed or rolled out into thin tortillas.
The corn masa is what gives authentic tortilla chips their distinctive yellow color, crisp texture, and ability to break into shard-like pieces rather than crumbling. Replacing the corn masa flour with regular corn flour or other types of flour will result in chips that do not have the same texture and flavor as true tortilla chips.
Common Varieties of Corn Used
There are a few different varieties of corn that can be used to make the masa flour for tortilla chips:
- White corn – Known for its milder flavor and bright white kernels when dried
- Yellow corn – Has a richer, nuttier flavor and a deep golden color
- Blue corn – Has a subtler, earthy taste and blue/purple tinted kernels
While all of these types can be nixtamalized and ground into masa suitable for tortilla chips, yellow corn is the most common variety used.
Other Typical Tortilla Chip Ingredients
In addition to corn masa flour, some other ingredients often included in homemade or store-bought tortilla chip recipes are:
- Water – Hydrates the masa flour so it can be formed into a pliable dough
- Salt – Enhances the flavor and can aid in crisping
- Vegetable oil – Added to the dough or used to fry the tortillas; enhances flavor and crisping
- Leavening agents – Baking powder or yeast to help the tortillas puff up while frying or baking
- Preservatives – Ingredients like citric acid and malic acid help preserve flavor and freshness
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar is sometimes added to balance flavors
- Spices and herbs – Onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro are popular seasonings used to add flavor
However, while these additional ingredients help shape the finished chip’s taste and texture, corn masa remains the core component that makes a tortilla chip a tortilla chip.
What About Non-Corn Tortilla Chips?
While corn tortilla chips are the most popular and traditional variety by far, some manufacturers also make tortilla chips using flour instead of corn masa. These wheat- or grain-based tortilla chips have a different flavor, color, and texture compared to their corn-based counterparts. They are usually made from a dough of wheat flour, vegetable oil or shortening, water, and salt, which is then rolled out thin, cut into shapes, and fried or baked.
Other types of non-corn tortilla chips may be made from ingredients like green plantains, yuca root, or chickpea flour. However, these alternative versions comprise only a small fraction of the overall tortilla chip market.
Nutritional Profile
The main nutrients found in a 1 ounce (about 15 chips) serving of plain salted tortilla chips are:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 137 |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 91 mg |
The main nutritional benefits of tortilla chips come from the corn. Corn contains carotenoid antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin which promote eye health. It also provides a good amount of the B vitamin folate. However, tortilla chips are still considered more of an indulgent snack due to their high calorie, fat, and sodium content.
Global Popularity of Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips originated in Mexico but have become popular far beyond that. Some key facts about the global popularity of tortilla chips:
- The global tortilla chip market was valued at over $26 billion USD in 2020 and is forecast to grow steadily in the years ahead.
- Mexico still consumes more tortilla chips per capita than any other country, eating around 7 pounds per person per year.
- The United States accounts for over 36% of worldwide tortilla chip sales, making them the top consuming nation overall.
- Major brands like Doritos, Tostitos, and Mission are among the top-selling tortilla chip companies worldwide.
- Outside of North America, tortilla chips are gaining popularity in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
The growing demand for convenient and flavorful snack foods like tortilla chips is expected to drive continued growth in the global market.
How Tortilla Chips Are Made Commercially
There are two main steps to making tortilla chips commercially:
- Tortilla production – The corn masa dough is prepared then flattened and shaped into thin tortillas using an automated press. The tortillas may be pre-cut into triangles or rounds.
- Frying/baking – The tortillas are fried or baked until crispy. Oil frying is more common commercially, but some brands use ovens. The chips may also be seasoned here.
Large manufacturers use specialized equipment to automate the processes of kneading masa, pressing tortillas, frying chips, and seasoning. Producing mass quantities of consistent, uniform tortilla chips requires high-volume equipment.
The automated tortilla presses can churn out thousands of tortillas per hour. Commercial fryers are elongated tubes that allow tortillas to float and fry in hot oil as they move through the heater conveyors. Seasoning tumblers then toss the chips with seasonings.
Quality control checks are also implemented at multiple points along the production line to inspect chip appearance, color, thickness, crispness, and taste.
Common Flavored Varieties
While plain salted tortilla chips are the standard, many brands also offer popular flavored varieties like:
- Nacho cheese
- Jalapeno
- Habanero
- Chile-lime
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Salt and vinegar
- Restaurant-style
The seasoning and flavor coating is applied after frying, then the chips are returned to the fryer or oven for a second quick bake to help the seasoning adhere. Unique flavors and varieties help brands differentiate their products in the competitive tortilla chip market.
Leading Tortilla Chip Brands
Some of the top selling tortilla chip brands in the United States are:
| Brand | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Doritos | Frito-Lay |
| Tostitos | Frito-Lay |
| Mission | Gruma Corporation |
| Private label brands | Various grocery chains |
| On The Border | Truco Enterprises |
| Calidad | Mission Foods |
| Santitas | Barcel |
As seen, Frito-Lay dominates the market with its Doritos and Tostitos brands. Frito-Lay and its parent company PepsiCo account for over 60% of tortilla chip sales in the U.S.
Nutrition Comparisons
There can be some variation in nutrition between different brands of tortilla chips. However, most plain tortilla chips have a similar nutrient profile per serving. How they compare to other popular snack chips:
| Chip Type (15 chips) | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain tortilla chips | 137 | 7 | 18 | 91 |
| Plain potato chips | 171 | 11 | 15 | 171 |
| Pretzels | 110 | 0 | 22 | 485 |
| Pita chips | 120 | 3.5 | 18 | 55 |
Tortilla chips tend to be lower in fat and sodium compared to regular potato chips, but higher in these than pretzels or pita chips. Potato chips have more fat per serving while pretzels are highest in sodium.
Are Corn Tortilla Chips Gluten Free?
Corn tortilla chips that are made from 100% corn masa ingredients are certified gluten-free. Since they do not contain any wheat, barley, or rye ingredients, they are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
However, flavored tortilla chips that contain additional ingredients like wheat-based seasonings may contain traces of gluten. Check ingredient lists carefully if gluten is a concern.
Tortilla chips made from flour instead of corn masa contain gluten and are not gluten-free. Read labels carefully to ensure you are choosing corn tortilla chips, not flour tortilla chips.
Storing Tortilla Chips
To maintain freshness and prevent your tortilla chips from getting stale, follow these storage tips:
- Keep chips in an airtight container or sealed bag.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid humid areas like near the oven or fridge.
- Refrigeration can help prolong freshness of opened bags.
- Use opened bags within 2-3 weeks.
- Look for expiration or best by dates on packaging.
- Discard chips if they smell or taste stale, or are soft instead of crisp.
With proper storage, unopened bags of tortilla chips can last 2-3 months past any best by dates. Once opened, try to use within a couple weeks.
Healthiest Ways to Eat Tortilla Chips
To make your tortilla chip snack a little healthier, here are some tips:
- Look for baked varieties instead of fried.
- Choose chips made from whole grain corn.
- Opt for low-sodium or unsalted chips.
- Portion out individual servings instead of eating from the whole bag.
- Pair with salsa, guacamole, or other produce-based dips and toppings.
- Use as part of taco salad, nachos, or other balanced meals.
While still a treat, tortilla chips can be a better snack option than chips that are higher in saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbs or sugars.
Conclusion
When it comes to what makes a tortilla chip a tortilla chip, the answer unequivocally comes back to corn. Corn masa flour made from nixtamalized corn is the core ingredient that gives tortilla chips their characteristic texture and flavor. While other additional ingredients like oil, salt, and seasonings enhance tortilla chips, corn remains the main component that transforms a plain tortilla into a crispy, crave-worthy snack.
Tortilla chips have become a pantry staple and snacking favorite across the globe thanks to their versatility, affordability, and of course, delicious crunch. Whether munching on plain salted chips or flavored nacho cheese varieties, millions of people continue to find tortilla chips hard to resist.